Elizabeth Ames Jones Oath

Thank you, Juliana (Holt).  Speaker Craddick... fellow elected officials... friends and fellow Texans:...
...I am honored to join you today as an outstanding leader takes the oath of office...
...a public servant that for a long time we just called E-A-J...
...but now call madam railroad commissioner...
...Elizabeth Ames Jones.

I want to thank the members of the Texas Senate for swiftly confirming my nomination of Elizabeth Ames Jones because I know that the Commissioner was eager to get to work.

Elizabeth was my first choice for this important appointment because her record and her vision are a perfect fit for the job.

As a member of the Texas House for two terms, Elizabeth proved to be a reasoned voice in the discussion of important energy and environmental issues as a member of the Energy Resources Committee...
...where she also worked to ensure fiscal responsibility as chairman of budget and oversight.

She has represented Texas on the Southern States Energy Board...
...working with leaders from 16 other states to enhance economic development opportunities and improve our quality of life through sound energy polices and new technology.

And as Railroad Commissioner, Elizabeth Ames Jones will continue to be passionate about protecting our natural resources...
...keeping our people safe...
...and keeping the vital oil and gas sector of our economy strong.

Elizabeth brings enthusiasm, experience and a strong record of public service to the Texas Railroad Commission.

And with Chairman Carrillo and Commissioner Williams...
...I know that she will provide the people of Texas with the quality leadership they deserve and have come to expect from the Railroad Commission.

She has earned the respect of her colleagues in the House...
...the faith of the Texas Senate...
...and I have every confidence that the people of Texas will come to know, respect and trust her in the same way.

I want to congratulate Commissioner Ames Jones...
...her husband Will...
...their two children...
...and their entire family on this memorable day.

And now I would like to call Commissioner Ames Jones and her family forward to perform the oath of office...

Please raise your right hand and repeat after me.

I, Elizabeth Ames Jones... do solemnly swear... that I will faithfully execute the duties of the office of Railroad Commissioner of the State of Texas... and will to the best of my ability preserve, protect, and defend... the Constitution and laws of the United States and of this State... so help me God.

Friends and fellow Texans, it is my honor to present to you Texas’ newest Railroad Commissioner... Elizabeth Ames Jones...